KGET Community

Did the judge reprimand Brothers or his lawyer for directing a message toward a witness on the stand?

Crrepycat--Yes.  If you listen to the video snipit you can actually hear the bailiff adress both Brothers and Harper.  I think she says something like, "Mr. Brothers, Mr. Harper, No."  After the reprimand, you can see Brothers' attorney Michael Gardina quietly mouth something to Brothers, appearing to tell him that he can't talk to witnesses.  Also, the bailiff called Harper back into the courtroom and told him it was not appropriate.  During the exchange, you can also see the judge watching in the background as it unfolds.  You can also see Judge Bush motion to the bailiff to cutoff the conversation.

Hmm, saw a bit of video today regarding the trial and now that vincent has been found guilty it was interesting to observe the change of behavior in prosecutor Lisa Green.  She did not seem too interested in anything the character witnesses had to say about vincent.  
Correct me if i am wrong but in a court of law when you are accused, do you not have the right to confront your accusors?  Can someone enlighten me on this? Maybe it was in the wrong forum for him to address the witness.  

devilsadvoate--
Court rules dictate that inmates are not allowed to talk to anyone:

Penal Code 4570.  Every person who, without the permission of the warden or
other officer in charge of any State prison, or prison road camp, or
prison forestry camp, or other prison camp or prison farm or any
other place where prisoners of the State prison are located under the
custody of prison officials, officers or employees, or any jail, or
any county road camp in this State, communicates with any prisoner or
person detained therein, or brings therein or takes therefrom any
letter, writing, literature, or reading matter to or from any
prisoner or person confined therein, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

And yes, you're right that the accused can confront their accusers.  But in this case, Brothers is represented by his attorney, Michael Gardina.  Brothers is not allowed to directly question witnesses unless he decides and is allowed to represent himself.  Gardina was able to ask Harper questions.

On the side, Brothers can request through his attorneys to meet with Harper at the jail.  Harper said he would be willing to go.  But, as far as  Harper has told us, this has not happened.